From Classroom to Mainstage:
FTC Students Take Charge at the Great South Bay Music Festival

For the fourth consecutive year, Â鶹ӰԺ students aren’t just attending the —they’re running the show! As part of Long Island’s largest and longest-running music and arts festival, FTC students step into professional industry roles—mixing live sound, managing stage crews, coordinating with artists, and overseeing production from start to finish. This is not a classroom exercise—it’s a live, high-pressure event enjoyed by thousands of festivalgoers.

Opportunities like this are rare, but at FTC, they’re part of the student experience.

FTC Students at Work: Real Roles Behind the Scenes

At the festival, students from multiple FTC programs come together to bring the event to life. Mass Communication students specializing in Live Entertainment Music Production, Audio Recording Technology, and Broadcasting handle everything from live sound engineering and stage management to artist relations and on-site broadcasting. Meanwhile, Film and Television majors capture behind-the-scenes footage, film live performances, and interview artists for festival coverage.

From setup to showtime, students manage every detail—running the stage, recording performances, producing content, and sharing the experience in real time. Additionally, each magical moment of the four-day event is broadcasted LIVE on the , where student conduct real-time interviews with a wide range of artists, band members, vendors, producers, and other key participants who bring this event to life. This all happens in real-time at the GSB venue. It’s a comprehensive, hands-on production experience at one of Long Island’s biggest live events.

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The images above were taken at the 2024 Great South Bay Music Festival. Click to enlarge.

Experience That Matters: Turning Learning Into Career Opportunities

Working the Great South Bay Music Festival is more than a weekend project—it’s a chance for FTC students to apply their skills in a demanding, real-world environment. Whether working the mixing board, running lights, coordinating artists, keeping the stage on schedule, or producing interviews, students gain practical experience that extends far beyond the classroom.

Tom Calandrillo, Chair of the Communication Division and Assistant Dean of Institutional Productions, who leads this major project, sums it up: “This festival experience is a game-changer for our students. It’s not just about technical skills—it’s about understanding how to work as a team, solve problems on the fly, and communicate effectively in a live event setting. No other college in the region offers this kind of hands-on, industry-level opportunity. It’s a real-world lab where our students build confidence, develop professional relationships, and prepare themselves for careers in media and entertainment.�

The Show Goes On – Even After the Party’s Over

The experience doesn’t end when the final set wraps up. Students in Broadcasting and Journalism continue their work by contributing festival coverage for , the Mass Communication Division’s digital news platform. They create articles, video segments, and social media content that capture every angle—from performances to behind-the-scenes stories.

Beyond the event itself, many artists and industry professionals who participate in the festival maintain ongoing relationships with Â鶹ӰԺ. They frequently return to campus for guest lectures, workshops, and Q&A sessions. These connections often lead to mentorships and career opportunities, creating a vibrant network that extends well beyond the festival grounds.

This combination of hands-on experience and ongoing industry engagement not only strengthens students’ professional portfolios but also provides a clear path toward careers in media, entertainment, audio production, broadcasting, and event management.

For prospective students considering Â鶹ӰԺ, this festival involvement exemplifies how FTC integrates real-world opportunities into its academic programs—preparing students for meaningful careers after graduation.

The Great South Bay Music Festival takes place July 24–27 at Shorefront Park in Patchogue, NY. If you’re ready to turn your passion for music, media, and entertainment into hands-on experience, FTC offers the chance to work behind the scenes at major events like this—and launch your career while you learn.

Request more information today and see how Â鶹ӰԺ can help you make your mark in the industry.

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Â鶹ӰԺ proudly announces its outstanding performance by the Mass Communication Division at the 2025 Press Club of Long Island (PCLI) Media Awards Dinner, held on June 5 at Fox Hollow in Woodbury, NY. Representing the college at this distinguished event were faculty members Professor and Department Chair Holli Haerr and Professor Brigette Boyle, and students Jeff Kramer, Fernando Gomez, and Daniel Garcia.

Competing among peer colleges and universities across Long Island and alongside leading professional news outlets, Â鶹ӰԺ students received top honors in two of the event’s most competitive categories:

Best College TV Broadcast (1st Place) was awarded to , produced in Prof. Haerr’s advanced broadcast classes. The program, which aired on , featured a dynamic team of student journalists, including Daniel Garcia (producer), Jeff Kramer, Fernando Gomez, Stephen Cooney, Tyler McCready, Alexis Mack, Jena Chambers, Thomas DiSalvo, Madelyn Llanes, Sydney Mountain, Jose Rojas, Aaron Jones, Winter Petracca, and Anthony Deus.

• Best College TV Reporter (1st Place) went to senior Daniel Garcia, who earned the top honor for the second consecutive year. His compelling storytelling and on-camera reporting, including pieces like , continue to set a high standard in student journalism.

“I am extremely proud of our students for their wins in these two categories. I think it really shows the quality of work our Â鶹ӰԺ Mass Communication students can do,” said Prof. Holli Haerr, Chair of the Mass Communication Department at Â鶹ӰԺ. “This is the first year we’ve done serious election coverage, including Promote the Vote and our first ever live coverage on election night. Students Daniel Garcia and Jeff Kramer were interested in informing students about the issues, and I think it was great experience for all the students who worked on those projects.  I’m thankful for them for their leadership on this. I’m also excited that Daniel has won best college TV reporter for a second year in a row. His hard work and dedication have really paid off and can hopefully inspire other students as well.”

The Press Club of Long Island, a chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists founded in 1974, is dedicated to protecting First Amendment rights, promoting ethical journalism, and fostering excellence in reporting across Long Island.

Â鶹ӰԺ is honored to be recognized by such a respected organization and applauds its students and faculty for their creativity, commitment, and professional growth.

Explore Â鶹ӰԺ’s Mass Communication Degree programs and Request Information now.

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On April 25, 2025, the Performing Arts Center at Â鶹ӰԺ came alive with excitement and pride as students, faculty, families, and friends gathered for The Luminaries—15th Annual Awards Ceremony. This signature event capped off two nights of student film screenings and a year of creative achievement across the Film and Television, Mass Communication, and Interactive Media Arts departments.

An Expanded Vision for The Luminaries Festival

What began as a showcase exclusive to the Film and Television major has now evolved into a division-wide celebration. For the first time, the annual Awards Ceremony reflected the full scope of the Communication Division. This expansion was made possible by a recent curricular alignment that brought together three formerly independent programs—Film and Television, Mass Communication, and Interactive Media Arts—into one collaborative, forward-thinking department.

Recognizing Student Excellence Across Media Disciplines

The awards honored outstanding work in a wide array of categories, some of which included:

• The Sol Negrin Award for Best Cinematography
• Best Film(s) – Awarded for Freshman/Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Artists
• Audience Choice Awards for Film and Interactive Media Arts
• Best Photography, 2D Visual Art, Animation and Motion Graphics
• Distinguished Service Awards

Each award reflected the creativity, technical skill, and storytelling power of Â鶹ӰԺ students, whose work continues to push the boundaries of visual and media arts.

More Than Just an Awards Show

Hosted by the dynamic duo of Theatre Arts students Egypt Dozier and Symone Hammond, the 15th Annual Awards Ceremony delivered more than accolades. Audiences enjoyed skits, bumper reels, creative video presentations, and behind-the-scenes moments that made the night unforgettable.

A Multimedia Event, Powered by FTC Students

While the spotlight was on stage, the rest of the Mass Communication Division was hard at work bringing The Luminaries to wider audiences. Students and faculty produced a professional-grade live stream of the event, conducted red carpet interviews, and hosted radio coverage from the scene—all made possible by the industry-standard production studios that give Â鶹ӰԺ graduates a competitive edge in today’s media landscape.

A Team Effort: The People Behind the Production

This unforgettable evening was made possible by a dedicated team of producers: Colin Hickey, Alex Gaza, Nicole Monteleone, and student producers Maddie Llanes, Jiselle Carlo, Dan Davis, Ryan McClelland, Daniel Garcia, and Joey Cicchelli.

Faculty mentors Michael Peters, Oliver Roach, and Michael Kaufmann provided guidance throughout the planning and production process, while Russel Roxbury and Michael Cavalli offered essential operational support through Facilities and Student Life.

Division Leadership and College Administration Support

This year’s expanded vision was fueled by thoughtful leadership and coordination. Special thanks go to:

• Colin Hickey, Interim Chair of Film and Television
• Holli Haerr, Chair of Mass Communication
• Sharon Reba-Pertz, Chair of Interactive Media Arts
• Tom Calandrillo, Chair of the Communication Division and Assistant Dean of Institutional Productions and Technology

The continued support of College President Dr. David Cohen and Vice President Dr. Janet Kaplan helped ensure that The Luminaries remains a cornerstone event that celebrates student success and innovation.

A Final Creative Touch

The visual identity of The Luminaries 15th Annual Awards Ceremony was brought to life by student designers Luke Spinosa (poster) and Isabella Romeo (event pamphlet), whose creative direction added a professional and polished look to this already standout celebration.

As Â鶹ӰԺ continues to nurture a thriving community of storytellers, media-makers, and creative leaders, The Luminaries stands as a shining example of what’s possible when passion meets purpose—and when every corner of a division comes together to tell one extraordinary story.

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We’ve got big news to share! Â鶹ӰԺ has been recognized as one of the nation’s best in inTune Magazine’s 2025 Best Music Schools special edition!

This cements our place among the nation’s top institutions to study music-whether it be for music teacher education, performance, music business, or any other traditional or innovative music related programs. This honor highlights our dedication to preparing students for vibrant, successful careers in the creative and performing arts industries.

Music Education for the Modern World

In the article, author Dr. David Fish explores how music schools across the country are evolving to meet the demands of a competitive, ever-changing industry. No longer limited to traditional training, these institutions are embracing career-focused approaches that blend technical instruction with real-world skills.

At Â鶹ӰԺ, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this movement. Our Audio Recording Technology and Music programs stood out for their innovative integration of creative and business skills—a combination that has become essential for today’s music professionals.

“Our programs strike a balance between intensive technical instruction and real-world preparation by combining rigorous academics, performance opportunities, and hands-on industry experience,� said John Machado, Chair of the Audio Recording Technology Program.

A Curriculum Built for Success

What sets Â鶹ӰԺ apart? Â鶹ӰԺ provides a very student-centered and personal approach to education. Students are prepared for every aspect of their future careers. From foundational courses in music theory, management, marketing, social media, entertainment, and business law to hands-on training in our professional facilities, we ensure that students graduate with the insight and skills they need to thrive.

Internship opportunities play a significant role as well. These experiences allow students to connect classroom learning with practical, real-world applications, making them career-ready from day one.

A Community That Inspires Creativity

Beyond academics, Â鶹ӰԺ fosters a vibrant creative community where students can explore their passions and collaborate across disciplines. Music Division Chair Kristi Adams shared what makes this environment so special:

“We offer student-led extracurricular programs that prepare students for future careers. Whether collaborating with film students to score a soundtrack, operating a soundboard for a theatre production, or performing at open mic events, students thrive in a dynamic creative community.�

Professor Adams also emphasized the College’s evolution: “While Â鶹ӰԺ was once known as a ‘music school,’ it has grown into a diverse institution where strong business and music roots continue to shape a culture of artistic and professional growth.â€�

National Recognition in the 2025 Best Music Schools

Being featured in inTune Magazine’s Best Music Schools of 2025 is a proud moment for Â鶹ӰԺ. This recognition places us alongside other top-tier institutions across the country, showcasing our innovative programs and dedication to student success.

Read the full article on

Discover What Â鶹ӰԺ Can Do for You

For over 50 years, Â鶹ӰԺ has been a hub for creative students ready to turn their passions into professions. Located in Long Island, we offer hands-on learning, personalized guidance, and a collaborative community to help you achieve your dreams.

Are you ready to take the next step in your journey? or contact us today for more information!

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Exciting things are happening at Â鶹ӰԺ Sound Athletics! With new leadership, expanded opportunities, and a fresh digital presence, our teams are ready to make waves. From the return of volleyball to the continued rise of our esports program, there’s never been a better time to be part of The Sound.

The Â鶹ӰԺ Sound Athletic Department is a proud member of the and a full competitor in the s and the . Our teams battle it out in men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, and esports, and now, with the revival of volleyball, we’re ready to bring even more energy to the court.

In this article, we’ll dive into all the latest updates, including the launch of our brand-new athletics website, the return of volleyball under an experienced new coach, and the growth of our esports program. Get ready to explore the exciting future of FTC Sound Athletics!

The Sound Gets a New Look

Big things are happening for Sound Athletics! We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new web platform: This fresh and dynamic website is your go-to source for the latest news, schedules, scores, and all things FTC Athletics. Whether you’re a player, fan, or future Sound athlete, be sure to check it out!

The Sound Welcomes New Talent

We’re making waves with the return of volleyball to Â鶹ӰԺ! After a hiatus since the 2021-2022 season, men’s and women’s volleyball will . Leading the charge is newly appointed Head Coach Matt Toner.

Interim Athletic Director Jason Fiscina is equally excited, stating, “Matt Toner comes to Five Towns with a strong resume. His teaching background makes him the ideal candidate to revive the volleyball program at Five Town Colleges. I am excited for him to build both the men’s and women’s volleyball programs.�

With his experience, leadership, and passion for the game, Coach Toner is ready to bring high energy and success to Sound Athletics!

Esports is Growing at FTC

Since launching in 2021, Â鶹ӰԺ Esports has steadily grown into a competitive program under the leadership of . The team competes in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), where students have the opportunity to play games such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Fortnite, Valorant, and Rocket League against collegiate teams from across the region.

Coach Leider has worked to foster a collaborative environment where students develop skills in teamwork, communication, and strategy. The esports program welcomes players of all experience levels, whether they are looking to compete or simply improve their skills while engaging with a community of fellow gamers. The team has had a strong start this season, earning notable victories and continuing to develop as a presence in the collegiate gaming scene.

Beyond competition, esports at FTC is connected to broader career paths in gaming, media, and technology. Students from majors such as Business, Film, Mass Communication, Interactive Media Arts, Music, and Theatre often explore how their skills intersect with the growing gaming industry.

For those interested in following the team’s progress, matches are streamed on Twitch, and highlights, strategies, and behind-the-scenes content can be found on the Â鶹ӰԺ Esports YouTube channel.

Don’t Miss a Game!

Want to keep up with all the action? Be sure to visit for game schedules, player updates, and live coverage of Sound Athletics. Whether courtside or online, we can’t wait to see you cheering for The Sound!

Go Sound!

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Dear Â鶹ӰԺ Community,

I trust this note finds you well. I’ve recently returned to campus and am eager to share the rich insights and experiences I’ve garnered from my visit to Poland, where I had the opportunity to represent Â鶹ӰԺ at two significant international conferences.

Krasiczyn Castle

The first conference, the Schuman Trimarium Forum, held in the historic Krasiczyn Castle, allowed me to reconnect with my Eastern European heritage and engage with the youth, inspiring them with my journey and the myriad possibilities that lie in pursuing one’s dreams. I was privileged to contribute to several panel discussions, reflecting on the promising future of our region and connecting with individuals from Romania, Georgia, Lithuania, Ukraine, and other countries.

The second conference, Poland 2.0 Summit 2023 in Warsaw, was a hub of technological trends and business insights. It aimed to bring together elite Polish students from renowned global universities like Oxford, Cambridge, the University of Warsaw and many others. It was an honor to represent our institution amidst such a diverse and brilliant cohort. The conference locations were emblematic, spanning the National Philharmonic in Warsaw, the Polin Museum, and the illustrious Ujazdowski Castle, which hosted the concluding ball. These venues added to the richness of the experience, intertwining learning with a deep connection to Polish culture and history.

Ujazdowski Castle

The summit highlighted innovative discussions on blockchain technology, A.I., and politics and included inspirational talks by dignitaries such as Mark Brzezinski, the USA Ambassador in Warsaw. His insights on the enduring relationship between Poland and the USA were enlightening, emphasizing its unprecedented strength.

I seized the opportunity to interact with Mr. Brzezinski, posing the question: “What could Polish individuals learn from Americans, and vice versa?� In response, he enlightened us about the advanced networking ethos in the States, emphasizing the significance of creating meaningful connections that can harbor mutual benefits. He suggested that Poles could embrace this spirit of networking to cultivate richer, more diverse relationships.

Conversely, he pointed out a lesson that could be invaluable for Americans—embodied in the Polish word ‘goÅ›cinność,’ meaning hospitality. He commended the inherent warmth and welcoming nature of the Polish people, citing their compassionate response to the crisis in Ukraine as a paradigm. He expressed a wish that Americans could imbibe this spirit of openness and altruism, extending their hands in solidarity and support just as the Poles have done for Ukrainians.

Addressing Mr. Brzezinski

I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to present a unique perspective, influenced by the values and knowledge ingrained during my time at Â鶹ӰԺ. It was not only a learning journey but also a means to showcase the diverse and inclusive ethos of our institution on a global stage.

I’m already looking forward to contributing to the organizational board for next year’s conference, and I am excited to integrate the knowledge and connections acquired during this journey to enrich our academic community.

Thank you for your support and for fostering an environment at Â鶹ӰԺ that values such enriching international exchanges.

Looking forward to sharing more about my experiences and insights with you in person.

Sincerely,
Jan Jagielski

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